EDITOR ' S CHOICE
SOLAR POWER WITHOUT COMPROMISING ROOF DESIGN
As architects, developers and homeowners place greater emphasis on energy performance, renewable technologies are increasingly becoming part of the design brief. But solar generation does not have to compromise the appearance of a carefully designed building.
A recent GB-Sol project demonstrates how integrated solar can combine renewable energy generation with a traditional slate finish.
A ROOF DESIGNED TO PERFORM
The project involved a newly constructed coach house and garage positioned prominently at the front of the property, making the roof an important part of the overall architectural design.
Rather than adding conventional solar panels above the finished roof, 264 GB-Sol PV Slates were integrated directly into the roof covering. Installed alongside CUPA 12 natural slates, the PV Slates create a cohesive roofscape and are virtually indistinguishable from the surrounding roof.
The result provides weather protection while generating renewable electricity, making solar technology part of the building rather than an addition to it.
PERFORMANCE INTEGRATED INTO THE DESIGN
Visual integration was important, but performance remained central to the specification. The 7.3kWp
installation is expected to generate approximately 6,500kWh each year.
The energy generated contributes towards the property ' s electricity demand, reducing reliance on grid-supplied power and operational carbon emissions. It can also support technologies such as electric vehicle charging and heat pumps.
For architects and developers, integrated solar provides an opportunity to consider renewable generation as part of the building envelope from the outset.
DESIGNED FOR THE LONG TERM
Durability is important when specifying integrated renewable technology. GB-Sol ' s PV Slate has an expected design life exceeding 40 years and is backed by a 25-year warranty covering solar performance and waterproofing integrity. The product is MCS certified and independently tested.
With more than 30 years of manufacturing and installation experience, GB-Sol takes a long-term approach to integrated solar roofing.
This project demonstrates that renewable energy does not need to compete with architectural design. By integrating solar into the roof, buildings can combine visual quality, practical performance and lower-carbon energy generation.
www. gb-sol. co. uk
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